The GoJet Airlines Blog

Tag: Captain James Douvier

With the year winding down, we thought that it would be the perfect time to put together a compilation of some of our favorite blog posts of 2016. Here’s a sample of what our employees have been up to this year.

In one of our most viewed posts of the year, pilot recruiter Captain James Douvier explains that there’s more to being a GoJet pilot than just being a great aviator. James is looking for pilots who are going to come to GoJet and make a difference.

The majority of our passengers have most likely never heard the term “Maintenance Control.” However, the safety and timeliness of our flights depends on this important group of GoJet employees. This department is critical to keeping our airplanes safe, our flights on schedule, and our passengers happy.

During the summer of 2016, three talented young interns contributed to the operation in big ways. Aviation students Morgan Hunlen, Jade Lubinski, and Alex Dupre all took full advantage of the opportunity to move their studies beyond the classroom, and had an abundance of new knowledge when they returned to school in the fall.

Our summer interns getting a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of the control tower at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

Our employees do some truly astounding things in their free time. Take GoJet flight attendant Juanette Roache – when she’s not providing stellar customer service at 37,000 feet, she regularly volunteers at her local soup kitchen and homeless shelter, as well as mentors children through the Boys and Girls Club. Her community service led to an opportunity this spring to compete in the 20160 Mrs. North Carolina pageant, where she was named the first runner up and received the People’s Choice Award.

GoJet Flight Attendant Juannette Roache

We have no doubt that our employees will continue to impress us next year. We can’t wait to see what 2017 brings. Happy New Year!

When Pilot Recruiter Captain James Douvier meets with pilot applicants, he’s looking for more than just technical know-how. He’s looking for pilots with positive personalities who are going to come to GoJet and make a difference.

Pilot Recruiter Captain James Douvier

Being a great aviator is certainly a requirement to become a GoJet pilot, but there’s more to it than that. Crews spend a lot of time together, so having an outgoing and positive attitude is important. James says that during the interview process, he asks himself, “Is this someone that I would want to fly a four-day trip with?”

When James interviews pilots, he’s also looking at what they’ve accomplished outside of the cockpit. “We’re looking for pilots who are going to do more than just fly their shift, make their money, and go home,” James explains. “We want to hire people who are going to be involved and engaged in the airline. If you’ve been involved in your school, community, or at your previous airline, it’s a pretty good indication that you’re going to make a positive impact at GoJet.”

However, the interview process is also about pilot candidates making sure that GoJet is the right fit for them. That’s why James sets aside a portion of each interview to answer any questions that applicants may have. One of the most common things that pilot applicants want to know is what their life will be like when they become a GoJet pilot.

In addition to emphasizing the quality of life benefits that GoJet offers, including high pay, minimal reserve time, and fast Captain upgrades, James also tells candidates about GoJet’s unique, family-like culture. For example, unlike “slam-clickers,” or pilots who stay in their hotel rooms after they finish a day of flying, GoJet crews frequently go out to dinner together or rent a car and sightsee during overnight trips. “I have friends at other airlines, and the level of camaraderie that you see at GoJet is just different,” he remarks. “All of our crews are interactive teams who just genuinely enjoy each other’s company.”

When asked if he had any advice for new GoJet pilots, James encouraged them to take advantage of every opportunity to get involved with the company, as it will benefit their careers down the road. “Many of our pilots aspire to fly for mainline carriers one day, and all airlines, including mainlines, want to hire pilots who have made the effort to progress professionally as much as they can,” he stressed. “Do as much as you can while you have the opportunity, and it will pay off for you later.”

Professional development opportunities that James suggests include:

Becoming a Check Airman

Getting involved in the union

Offering to be a committee chair, such as for hotels

Helping out with recruiting

Taking advantage of the Pilot Mentor Program – in addition to earning $5,000 for every pilot you mentor, you’re paying it forward by passing on your wisdom and experience to new pilots

Being a pilot recruiter means that James doesn’t get to fly the line as much as he’d like, but he loves what he does. “I get to help make people’s dreams come true. Seeing someone’s face light up when they are offered a job as a GoJet First Officer, then seeing that person become a Captain, and then watching them move on to mainline, that’s just really special.”

There’s never been a better time to become a GoJet pilot. Click here to get started.

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